AFP investigates Qantas jet 'sabotage'

THE Australian Federal Police are investigating a claim that a Qantas jet was sabotaged last week while undergoing maintenance at Brisbane Airport.

While the federal police are yet to divulge the nature of the alleged sabotage, it centres on damage to wiring during an upgrade of the aircraft's inflight entertainment system.

The alleged incident occurred on October 26 - during the airline's heated industrial dispute with staff but before Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce grounded the whole airline.

It was reported to the federal police on October 27, police confirmed.

"The AFP is aware of an alleged incident involving a Qantas aircraft, which was undergoing maintenance at Brisbane Airport, that occurred on Wednesday 26 October," the federal police said in a statement.